Page 120 - phytochemistry general program

Chromatographic techniques

Thin –layer chromatography (TLC)

General techniques and equipment for TLC .1

The basic requirements for TLC techniques and equipment can be summarized in .2
the following: .3
.4
Chromatographic jars of different shapes and sizes made of glass with airtight lids,
for development. .5

Chromatoplates (inert support with coating material).

Reagent grade solvents for use as the mobile phases.

Sprayers (atomizers) for the detection and visualization of spots on the developed
chromatograms.

Ultraviolet lamps for visualization (254 and 366 nm).

1. TLC plates:

a. Types of TLC plates

Hand made

Slurries of sorbents mixed with binders and other additives can be applied as thin
layers to glass plates or plastic sheets by spreading, pouring, dipping or spraying.

Automatic spreaders are used (uniform and best reproducible layers).

Precoated or ready-made plates

(1) Supplied in different sizes.

(2) They are also supplied on thin-glass plates, plastic or aluminum sheets. All are
easily cut.

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